It’s a year of change for Coronation Street, with some new characters joining the cobbles and a handful of long-serving stars bowing out.
The ITV soap has recently confirmed a number of cast changes in quick succession, so you’d be forgiven for struggling to keep track of all the comings and goings.
Here’s our guide to the full lot in one place – who will you miss the most?
After taking over the role of Max Turner in 2021, Paddy Bever has decided the time is right for him to move on from the ITV soap.
In a recent statement, Paddy told “After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max and Coronation Street to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way.
“I’m eternally grateful for the chance to bring Max’s story to life and it’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.“
understands that Paddy made the Corrie team aware of his decision at the start of 2024 and Max will bow out as part of a huge storyline for the Platt family in the first part of this year.
Shelley King (Yasmeen Metcalfe)
Shelley King has also made the decision to leave Coronation Street after nearly 11 years in the role of Yasmeen Metcalfe.
While Shelley hasn’t yet spoken publicly about her departure, it’s thought that she’s leaving to explore other opportunities and Corrie bosses supported her decision.
Colson Smith (Craig Tinker)
Colson Smith has announced he’s leaving his role as Coronation Street‘s Craig Tinker, as show bosses have decided to axe the character.
In a statement on social media, he explained: “Autumn last year, I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the cobbles is to come to [an] end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the GREATEST street in the world.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy.
“For Me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. LONG LIVE THE COBBLES!”
Colson later revealed the Corrie team felt Craig had become “isolated” as a character following the departures of those closest to him, including Beth and Faye.
Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw)
Coration Street favourite Sue Cleaver recently shocked fans with the news that she’d be leaving her role as Eileen Grimshaw after 25 years.
In a statement, she explained: “I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street. The door is still firmly open but as I reached my 60th year I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.”
Show producer Kate Brooks added: “We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver. Over the past 25 years, Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most memorable and iconic Corrie storylines, and her onscreen rivalry with Gail Platt will undoubtedly go down in Corrie folklore.
“There’s certainly no-one quite like Eileen, and her character will be hugely missed on the cobbles. We wish Sue all the very best as she embarks on her next exciting chapter.”
Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley)
Coronation Street‘s Charlotte Jordan also recently announced that she’d decided the time was right to leave her role as Daisy Midgeley after four years.
Speaking to The Sun, Charlotte explained: “My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish. After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.”
Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster)
Coronation Street‘s Debbie Webster will be diagnosed with dementia this year, marking the beginning of a long-running storyline which will ultimately lead to her exit from the soap.
Despite a fan petition calling for a rethink – with some viewers arguing that Debbie is way too good to lose from the soap – Corrie recently confirmed the news officially in a press Q&A.
Who’s joining Coronation Street?
Mick and Lou
In an interview released late last year, Coronation Street‘s new producer Kate Brooks announced that a new couple called Mick and Lou will join Weatherfield this year.
Brooks explained: “[Mick and Lou are] coming to live at the back of Chesney, on Maudsley Street across the ginnel.
“They are livewires, they are ruffians and they are going to cause a lot of damage and chaos. There is a link to Chesney initially, but they are coming to stir up a lot of trouble. They open up the floodgates by unpacking the past of Kit, who’s one of our big characters.”
Carl Webster
As part of a big year for the Websters, Kevin and Debbie’s younger brother Carl will join Weatherfield in 2025.
Carl, who grew up off screen in Germany, has been mentioned over the years but has never featured on the ITV soap before now.
Kate Brooks commented: “We’ve got Carl Webster coming into the show, who is Debbie and Kevin’s brother, to build up that Webster clan.
“We’ve got big stories coming up for Debbie and Kevin. It’s about building that clan up. For me, the Websters, Barlows and Platts are the big clans.”
Who’s returning to Coronation Street?
Katy Cavanagh (Julie Carp)
Former Coronation Street star Katy Cavanagh is reprising her role as Eileen’s sister Julie Carp this year. Julie last appeared in 2015 and her return will form part of Eileen’s exit storyline.
Katy commented: “It is exciting to dust off Julie’s quirky wardrobe again and an absolute joy to step back onto the cobbles. Julie is so much fun, I’ve missed her.”
Show producer Kate Brooks added: “We’re delighted to have the inimitable Julie Carp back on the cobbles. As the ever lovable Julie breezes back into the lives of the Grinshaws, not everything is quite as it seems, and Julie’s secret sets off a chain of events that has huge ramifications for Eileen.
“Katy has slipped back into Julie’s shoes with such ease that it’s like she’s never been away, and we can’t wait for the audience to watch Julie’s story unfold; a story full of love, laughter and tears.”
Scott Anson (Reece Bolton)
Coronation Street guest star Scott Anson recently announced on social media that he’ll be reprising his role as Lauren Bolton’s jailed father Reece.
Digital Spy understands that Reece will be back for one episode later this year.
Recent cast changes
ITV
Several other Coronation Street stars have recently made their final appearances on the soap. These former cast are listed below.